19 April 2012
“We have known for more than a decade that New Zealand badly needs a large scale international convention centre in Auckland,” says Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.

“Let’s not kid ourselves. A convention centre is needed for the economic benefits it will bring, the employment it will create, the investment opportunities it will attract from the conventions held, along with tourism and profile benefits that will be generated for the whole of New Zealand.”

For years, New Zealand has been losing out on major convention opportunities to other cities in this part of the world because we don’t have the facility.

For years, we have looked a second rate destination for large-scale conventions, especially when groups have had to be split up and go to different venues around Auckland for different activities associated with a large convention.

“How the convention centre is to be funded should not distract from the critical importance of why we urgently need action to build a convention centre and lift our game.”

“If New Zealand thinks we need to have the discussion on funding then let’s have it on the basis of an agreement to proceed with a New Zealand convention centre,” concluded Mr Barnett.